Chapel strikes early for 42-7 rout of Troy
For the second-straight week, Hot Springs’ visiting opponent scored in the opening minute at Reese Memorial Stadium.
Davion White’s 14-yard run only 52 seconds into the game triggered a 35-point first half for Watson Chapel in the teams’ conference opener. The Wildcats put it on cruise control after that, winning 42-14 and evening their record at 2-2.
Winless Hot Springs, which allowed a firstplay touchdown to Arkadelphia last week in a 41-3 home loss, ended a streak of seven quarters without a touchdown before its home fans. Trayvon Gordon went 47 yards early in the fourth quarter and Korey Wasson sneaked a yard with 1:50 left for touchdowns, Erick Guadron kicking both extra points.
Omar Allen went over from one yard out with 3:41 left in the third quarter for Watson Chapel’s sixth and final touchdown, making it 42-0.
Watson Chapel went up 21-0 with a touchdown each added by the Wildcat special teams and defense. Brandon Moye returned a punt 44 yards with 2:27 left in the first quarter and Michael Williams returned an interception 45 yards in the first 14 seconds of the second quarter.
With 12:14 off the clock, Watson Chapel (1-2) had a touchdown from all three phases of the game — offense, defense and kicking.
The Wildcats’ passing game produced two touchdowns in the last 5:16 of the first half, Jakobi Jackson passing 51 and 2 yards to Jalyn Williams with Scott Taylor (6 for 6 on extra points) converting.
Jackson completed eight of 12 for 136 yards and ran four times for 35 yards in the half. White carried seven times for 63 yards and had a 12-yard reception. Jaquan Dorsey had a team-high three catches for 65 yards as Watson Chapel totaled 239 yards from scrimmage.
Jordan finished with seven carries for 89 yards and Wasson 13 for 52. Kenneth Byrd, Chris Stewart and Coby Wallace totaled 71 yards on the ground in the first half, Hot Springs finishing with 222.
The Trojans play at Hope next week and then at De Queen before an Oct. 14 home game against Magnolia.